Zurich: Chocolarium and Appenzeller Schaukäserei Tour

Exploring Switzerland often involves wandering through its picturesque villages, sampling delicious cheeses, and indulging in decadent chocolates. This particular tour offers a convenient way to tick all those boxes without the hassle of planning individual visits. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenic countryside rides with immersive visits to iconic Swiss food producers.

What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of round-trip transportation and free time to explore at your own pace, especially at the cheese and chocolate stops. Plus, the interactive exhibits and tastings promise a fun, sensory-rich experience. On the downside, many reviews mention that shops and factories are often closed on Sundays, which could limit your experience if you’re visiting on the weekend. It’s best suited for travelers who want a taste of Switzerland’s culinary heritage without the fuss of navigating public transport or booking separate tickets.

This trip is ideal for food lovers, those wanting a relaxed, scenic day out, and travelers eager for authentic, hands-on experiences. Just keep in mind that it’s a self-guided style tour, so managing your time wisely is key if you want to maximize your visit.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided style allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Includes transportation, entry fees, and free time, offering good value.
• Visits to the Chocolarium and Appenzeller cheese dairy provide sensory and educational delights.
• Scenic Swiss countryside enriches the experience with stunning views.
• Most reviews praise the guides and overall organization, but some note closures on Sundays.
• Taste and learn about Swiss chocolate and cheese from skilled artisans.

What to Expect from the Tour

Convenient Pickup and Transport

The tour starts in Zurich’s bus station, with options for a hotel pickup or drop-off, making it a straightforward start for visitors unfamiliar with local transit. The drive itself takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to relax while enjoying views of the Swiss countryside. The vehicle is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the trip.

Visiting the Chocolarium

The highlight for many is the Chocolarium, dubbed the “Factory of Happiness”. Located in Flawil on Toggenburgerstrasse, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream. What sets this apart is that there’s no rushing through a guided tour — instead, you get to wander through interactive exhibits, learn about the history of Swiss chocolate, and see the bean-to-bar process. Reviewers mention the tastings are plentiful, with some describing it as a “sweet treat” for the senses.

According to feedback, the experience is self-guided but timed; the guide provides a specific window to return to the bus, encouraging you to manage your time well. Several reviews highlight the value of the experience, with Raul_D noting, “great value for the price” and appreciating the ample tasting options. The hands-on approach, where visitors can even create their own chocolate bar, adds a memorable touch.

Cheese Making at Appenzeller Schaukäserei

After about 30 minutes’ drive, the tour takes you to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei, where you witness traditional cheese-making. This location offers a close-up view of cheese artisans working with natural ingredients, giving a sense of timeless craftsmanship. As one reviewer puts it, “you see the sights, sounds, and aromas of the cheese process,” which really allows you to grasp what makes Appenzeller cheese distinctive.

Sampling at different stages of aging is a highlight, with some reviewers praising the variety and depth of flavors. Experience is further enhanced by the scenic Swiss landscape surrounding the dairy, making it a feast for both the palate and the eyes.

Exploring Appenzell and St. Gallen

However, due to seasonal closures on Sundays and shorter daylight hours in certain seasons, many shops in the town of Appenzell are closed, which disappointed some visitors. To compensate, the tour has been adjusted to include a stop in St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stunning cathedral. This additional city stop allows for some photo opportunities and exploration of a vibrant Swiss town, broadening the cultural experience.

Duration and Pacing

The total tour lasts about 6 hours, with ample free time in Appenzell and St. Gallen to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility; Raul_D mentions that the self-guided nature lets you go at your own speed, and the guide’s timing ensures no one runs behind. The small group size (max 48 travelers) helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

Cost and Value

At around $100.10 per person, the tour offers a good balance of cost and experience. Included are transportation, all entry fees, and free time, so there are no surprises once you’re there. While it doesn’t include lunch, the sampling opportunities and scenic stops provide plenty of value for food lovers and those curious about Swiss craftsmanship.

Considerations for Travelers

The main consideration is timing; if you visit on a Sunday, many shops and factories may be closed, which could mean missing out on live demonstrations. However, as some reviewers note, you still get plenty of tastings, and the beautiful countryside makes the trip worthwhile. It’s also worth noting that this tour is not heavily guided — it’s more of a self-guided experience with a driver-guide, so having your own sense of time management helps.

The Real Value of This Tour

This experience isn’t about high-energy guided explanations; instead, it’s about enjoying delicious samples, beautiful scenery, and authentic craftsmanship at a relaxed pace. It’s especially suited for foodies who want to learn about and taste Swiss chocolate and cheese firsthand, along with those seeking a scenic escape from Zurich without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. It also works well for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a low-key, authentic day out.

Reviewers consistently commend the friendly guides, quality of the tastings, and the stunning views. Some mention the value for money and the opportunity to manage your own time, which makes the experience feel personalized rather than overly structured.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup options, including from your hotel, in addition to the standard meeting point at Zurich bus station.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 6 hours, including transportation, visits, and free time.

Are the factories open on Sundays?
Many shops and some factories are closed on Sundays, so if you’re visiting then, expect limited access to live demonstrations but still enjoy tastings and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers round-trip transportation, entry to the Chocolarium and cheese dairy, and free time for exploration.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the hands-on tastings and interactive exhibits make it engaging for kids, especially those interested in food and scenery.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are plenty of opportunities to sample chocolates and cheeses during the stops.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 48 travelers, which helps keep the experience comfortable and manageable.

Is the tour guided?
It’s more driver-guided, with self-guided elements at the attractions, giving you flexibility to explore on your own.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but the free time allows for personal exploration within the available hours.

Final Thoughts

This Zurich-based day trip offers a delicious and scenic escape into Swiss culinary traditions, with visits to a chocolate factory and a cheese dairy. It balances value, convenience, and authentic experiences, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, hands-on introduction to Switzerland’s iconic flavors. The scenic countryside adds a layer of tranquility, while the interactive tastings keep things lively.

If you’re after an easy, well-organized outing that combines local craftsmanship with breathtaking views, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suitable for food lovers, families, and anyone craving a taste of Switzerland’s culinary heart without the fuss of self-planning.

Just remember, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, many attractions might be closed, so plan accordingly. And if you enjoy self-paced exploration and delicious samples, this tour will likely delight your senses and leave you with plenty of memorable images and flavors.